Stirling Council chiefs quizzed over "one day" council tenancy acceptance fears
Assurances are being sought that vulnerable people are not feeling under pressure to accept council properties virtually on the spot.
At a recent full Stirling Council meeting, SNP councillor Willie Ferguson asked for details of council policy regarding the time allowed between an offer of tenancy and acceptance of that offer by the prospective tenant.
But he also said he had been told some tenants were being told they had to make a decision on the day or risk losing out.
Responding to the original question, community wellbeing and housing committee convener, Labour councillor David Wilson, said the Housing Allocation Policy had been approved by the committee in November 2024 and set out the process for accepting an offer of housing.
He added: In practice, once a property is ready for viewing, the applicant is contacted to arrange a convenient time to view it.
'In line with the policy, a response to the formal offer is required within two working days of it being issued.
'Following the viewing, applicants are given a further two working days to consider the offer, if needed.
'We acknowledge that individual circumstances can vary and, where appropriate, a degree of flexibility is applied to these timescales.
'However, the response period is a key element to maintaining effective property management.
'This approach also aligns with the Scottish Social Housing Charter.
'By requiring timely responses to housing offers and managing void periods efficiently, we help ensure that homes are re-let quickly, minimise rental income loss and make properties available to those in need without unnecessary delay - supporting the Charter's aim to provide people with well-maintained homes when they need them.
'Furthermore, tenancy sustainment is supported through our flexible approach, which allows applicants the time and assistance needed to make informed decisions - contributing to longer-term tenancy success.
'This balance supports the Charter's overarching goal of delivering high quality, responsive and person-centred housing services.'
Cllr Ferguson said he appreciated there was a balance to be had between housing operations and tenants' lives and the flexibility in how the council's tenancies were allocated.
However, he added: 'The two day notice period, I'm hearing there some vulnerable tenants being told that on viewing they have to accept today or they lose it.
'Can I ask therefore that officers have a look at how they are implementing their policy and that the balance between housing operations and the needs of especially some of our more vulnerable people, that that balance is indeed maintained preferably to the benefit of the most vulnerable persons looking for accommodation.'
Cllr Wilson replied: 'I have had a discussion with officers and they have given me that assurance that there is flexibility - but if you have got particular cases, if you provide them to me I'll get the officers to have a look and see what's gone wrong.'
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